Outrage against GJM, CID to probe death
Widespread public outrage against the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha (GJM) was witnessed on Monday during slain Gorkha leader Madan Tamang’s funeral procession even as nine GJM leaders resigned in protest. Braving pouring rains, thousands of ordinary residents of Darjeeling took part in the procession which began at 7 am from his
residence. The body was kept at the Chowkbazar where thousands of people paid their last homage to Tamang. The body was later taken to Tamang’s ancestral house at Meghma for the last rites according to Buddhist customs.
The public anger was so intense that the GJM flags were torn and the mourners shouted slogans against GJM chief Bimal Gurung and key leaders of his party. Meanwhile, the state government which is facing criticism in the Hills for its inaction, ordered a CID probe into the Akhil Bharatiya Gorkha League leader’s murder. Tamang, 62, was brutally killed on Friday morning in the heart of Darjeeling in broad daylight while he was supervising preparations for a public meeting. His gruesome murder has triggered wide-spread anger in the Hills against the GJM. The GJM which enjoyed overwhelming popular support in the three sub-divisions — Darjeeling, Kurseong and Kalimpong — is now becoming increasingly isolated.
“Bimal Gurung used to claim that his is a peaceful movement along Gandhian line, then why was a moderate leader like Tamang’s blood was spilled?” asked an angry youth while damaging a GJM hoarding. Angry people demanded severe punishment for Mr Gurung and his associates.
Not only common people but even GJM leaders were extremely upset with the turn of events. Nine party leaders, including central committee member Harka Bahadur Chetri, have quit protesting Tamang’s murder. The civil society of Darjeeling, who had fully backed Mr Gurung and his movement, have distanced themselves from the GJM.
Mr Gurung and GJM general secretary Roshan Giri have vehemently denied their party’s involvement in Tamang’s assassination, but common people are not convinced. The police has filed FIRs against several GJM leaders, including president Bimal Gurung and general secretary Roshan Giri.
Special IG, CID, Pankaj Dutta is already in Darjeeling with a team of CID officials and IG, CID-II Nirajnayan Pandey is going there on Tuesday in connection with the probe. Meanwhile, state urban development and municipal affairs minister, Ashok Bhattacharya said that the GJM had lost its moral right to participate in tri-partite meetings.
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